Bristle-combing machine.



PATENTED MAY 3, 1904.

P. TREPANIBR.

BRISTLE OOMBING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 1,1903.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

N0 MODEL.

o N Witnesses: .4 R Inventor, q Paer/v Z'epwwze v n Attorneys mun punsco. momumo. WASHWGYOI, n r:

PATENTED MAY 3, 1904.

P. TREPANIER.

BRISTLE comma MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 1, 1903.

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6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Attorneys 0 0 Have Zepanze Witnesses: 9 2 CF H0 MODEL.

M UH PATENTED MAY 3, 1904.

P. TRBPANIER.

BRISTLE COMBING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 1.1903.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

.NO MODEL.

Witnesses j liekie flejxwzz ec Inventor,

Attorneys PATENTED MAY 3, 1904.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 1.1903.

N0 MODEL 6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Inventor 1 1277? fi/7607l7;

Attorneys Q \m g 3% m bu 4 QN W QM W N D 5.! w 1 mw min I IYU 3 1w: EE.---- W wm MN A N Bap m H \N M n l .h N h C Witnesses I$ No. 758,876.PATENTED MAY 3, 1904. P. TRBPANIER.

BRISTLE GOMBING MAGHINE.

APPLICATION FILLED JUNE 1,1903.

X a a B0 MODEL. 8 8HEBT8-8HBET 6.

w Inventor,

w fl'erra Ze aanz'er,

fm ibiw 5 Attorneys Witnesses UNITED STATES PIERRE TREPANIER, OF

Patented May 3, 1904.

BURLINGTON, VERMONT.

BRlSTLE-COIVIBING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 758,876, dated May 3,1904.

Application filed June 1, 1903.

To all whom it nuty concern.-

Be it known that LPIERRE Tlimmxncma citizen of the United States ofAmerica, residing at the city of Burlington, county of Ohittenden, Stateof Vermont, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inBristle- (lombing Machines; and 1 do hereby declare that the followingis a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as willenable others skilled in the art to which it ap pertains to make and usethe same.

My invention relates to the manufacture of brushes, such aspaint-ln'ushes, whitewashbrushes, and similar brushes which are made ofbristles. The object of the invention is to arrange or comb a mat ofbristles so that their ends are substantially together and their bodiesdisposed in substantially the same direction.

In its general construction the invention comprises an arrangement foradvancing or feeding a quantity of bristles toward the combing ap'iaratus while the said bristles are subjected to a certainshufilingaction which tends to bring their ends into alinement, and subsequentlythe bristles pass between members which clamp them at one end, and whileclamped in this manner they are subjected to the action of a comb. Thisoperation is repeated, the bristles being held at their oppositeextremities, with the result that the mat of bristles is eventuallynicely arranged, the individual bristles lying in the same direction,all tangles and irregularities in their disposition having been removed.Treating the bristles in this manner has the effect also of mixing themto a certain extent as to color, because the members constituting tuftsof white or black bristles become separated during the combingoperation, so that the resulting collection of bristles is composed ofmembers of different colors dispersed indiscriminately through the mat.

The invention consists in the construction and combination of parts tobe more fully described hereinafter and definitely set forth in theclaims.

In the drawings. which fully illustrate my invention. Figure 1 is a sideelevation. Fig. 2 is a section taken substantially on the line SerialNo. 159,516.

2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan, a portion being broken away, as willappear. Fig. i is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 4 aof Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a section taken substantially on the line 5 5 ofFig. 1. Fig. 6 is a rear elevation of the machine. Fig. 7 is a sectiontaken substantially on the line 7 7 of Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a section takensubstantially on the line 8 8 of Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is an elevation showingthe side opposite to that shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a section upon anenlarged scale, supposed to be taken on the line 10 10 of Fig. 9. Fig.11 is a vertical section illustrating how the bristles are held whenbeing combed. Fig. 12 is a vertical cross-section upon an enlargedscale, taken substantially on the line 12 12 of Fig. 7. Fig. 13 is adiagrammatic view of the nature of a perspective, illustrating thearrangement of the conveying means for the bristles.

Throughout the drawings and specification the same numerals of referenceindicate like parts.

Referring more particularly to the parts, 1 represents the frame of themachine upon which the principal portion of the mechanism is mounted.This frame comprises a plurality of oppositely-disposed vertical membersor scantlings 2, which are suitably stepped in the bottom sills 3, andto which are attached above the upper sills 4. These upper sills 4: areoppositely disposed. and it should appear that the corner members 5 ofthe uprights or scantlings extend upwardly above these sills, asindicated at 6. It should be stated that that portion of the frame whichhas just been described affords means for supporting the principalportion of the mechanism. Arrangement is made for receiving andadvancing the bristles in subjecting the same to the operation of themechanism. The arrangement for this'purpose comprises a table 7, whichis disposed laterally with respect to the frame, as shown. Theconstruction of this table and its relation to the mechanism of theapparatus will be more fully described hereinafter.

Upon the frame 1 there are mounted a pair of wheels 8 and 9,respectively. in the manner shown, the same being carried upon axles (N0model.)

10, suitably mounted in bearings 11. It should be observed that thesewheels are disposed in a plane extending in the same direction as thetable 7,aforesaid, and it should also appear that the wheel 8 isdisposed substantially vertically above the wheel 9 in such a mannerthat the peripheries of the wheels lie adjacent at the point 12, asshown. Beyond these wheels 8 and 9 there is arranged another pair ofwheels 13 and 14, respectively, which are supported upon the frame 1 ina similar manner, axles and 16 being employed for this purpose inconjunction with suitable bearings 17. These wheels are disposed in amanner very similar to that of theaforesaid wheels 8 and 9, the wheel 13beingidisposed substantially vertically above the wheel 14, as shown,the peripheries of the wheels being nearly in contact at the point 18.It should appear, however, from an inspection of Fig. 2 that thesewheels are not disposed in alinement with the aforesaid wheels 8 and 9,but are displaced a small amount to one side of the same. Thisarrangement is adopted for a purpose which will appear hereinafter.

I Substantially opposite to the wheels 8 and 9 there is mounted upon theframe 1 a crankshaft 19, which is suitably supported in bearings 20.This crank-shaft comprises a crankpin 21, which passes rotatably througha head 22, which head constitutes the lower extremity of a comb-handle23, and this combhandle terminates below in a comb 24, as shown. Theupper extremity of the combhandle 23 is attached by means of a pivot-pinto a guide-stem 26, which'guide-stem passes through a vertical bore in aguide-block 27, disposed above the said comb, as shown.

A crank-shaft 28, which is similar to the aforesaid crank-shaft, isprovided in conjunction with the wheels 13 and 14 and disposedoppositely to the same much in the same manner as the crank-shaft 19 isdisposed oppositely to the wheels 8 and 9,and this crank-shaft carries acomb 29, which is substantially similar to the aforesaid comb andcarried in the same manner at the lower extremity of the handle 30,which handle is connected as before with a stem 31, the said stem beingvertically guided in a guide-block 32, arranged for the purpose, in amanner similar to the guide-block 27.

Before proceeding to a more minute description of the mechanism itshould be stated at this point that arrangement is made for feeding thebristles to be treated, so that they pass successively between thewheels 8 and 9 and the wheels 13 and 14 in such a manner that they areheld at one end by the wheels 8 and 9 and then at the other end by thewheels 13 and 14. WVhen the bristles are being held between the wheels 8and 9, the crank-shaft 19 is rotated in such a manner as to pass thecomb 24 successively through the bristles. WVhen the bristles are beingheld at their opposite extremities by the wheels 13 and 14, the comb 29is passed through the bristles in a manner similar to that described. Inthis way the individual bristles are straightened out or combed, so thatthey are disposed in the same direction.

Arrangementis made for driving the wheels 9 and 14. This is effected bymeans of gearwheels 33 and 34, which are rigid, respectively, with theaxles of the said wheels, as will be readily understood,these gearsbeing arranged so that they mesh, respectively, with gears 35 and 36,disposed between them. These latter gears 35 and 36 are rigidly mountedupon a transversely disposed shaft 37, carrying a worm-wheel 38, whichworm-wheel is driven by means of a worm 39, suitably mounted upon ashaft 40, the said shaft 40 being driven by means of a belt 41, whichpasses over a pulley 42, arranged for this purpose. The belt 41 passesover a belt-pulley 43, which is carried upon or near the extremity of ahorizontal shaft 44, disposed longitudinally with respect to the frame1, and rotatabl y mounted in bearings 45, arranged upon the aforesaidextensions 6. This main shaft 44 is driven by means of a suitable belt46 and pulley 46, as indicated. The aforesaid crank-shafts 19 and 28 arealso driven from the main shaft 44 by means of belts 47, passing aroundpulleys 48 and 49, carried, respectively, by the main shaft and thecrank-shafts. From this arrangement it should appear that the combs 24and 29 may be actuated, while the wheels 9 and 14 are drivensimultaneously in the same direction. It should be understood thatduring the opera tion these wheels rotate in the direction indicated bythe arrows.

In their general construction the wheels 8, 9. 13,and 14consist,substantially,of disks provided with peripheral rims or tires50, which extend radially a very appreciable amount, as shown, but whichare of a width somewhat less that the width of the bodies of the disks,as indicated. These tires 50 are provided with peripheraf grooves 51,which are for a purpose which will appear more clearly hereinafter.However, it may be stated at this point that these grooves are intendedto receive certain cords which are instrumental in advancing thebristles and in guiding them in their grooves when under treatment bythe mechanism and when being returned after such treatment. The tires 50are preferably of rubber or similar elastic impressionable material;

The parts for the purpose just mentioned will now be described. Thetable 7, referred to above, comprises a top 52. which is disposed in ageneral horizontal direction from the frame 1. It is, however, inclinedin a direction transversely of the machine, as indicated in Fig. 4. Uponits upper side there is arranged a guide-plate 53, which is disposedlongitudinally with respect to the same, and which carries brackets 54,having elongated adjusting-slots 55, which cooperate with bolts 56 forthe purpose of effecting the lateral adderstood. line of this top orcover 52 is substantially in horizontal alinement with the points 12 and18, which,it will be remembered, are the points of contact between thewheels 8 and 9 and the wheels 13 and 11, respectively, and it should bestated that between the cooperating pairs of wheels there is provided ahorizontal shelf 57, the upper side of which is also substantially inalinement with the points 12 and 18, as shown. At its extremity remotefrom the frame 1 the said table 7 is provided with bearings 58, in whichis mounted a shaft 59, which carries rigidly the grooved pulleys 60 and61, and at the edge of the aforesaid shelf 5?, remote from the table 7,there is mounted a guide-pulley 62, which is in alinement with theaforesaid pulley 61, and both these pulleys 61 and 62 are in alinementwith the plane of the wheels 8 and 9. A cord 63, preferably of suitablevegetable material, such as hemp, passes around the pulley 61, extendslongitudinally along the top 52 of the table, passes in a groove 51between the tires 50 of the wheels 8 and 9 and over the pulley 62aforesaid. From the pulley 62 the aforesaid cord passes in an inclineddirection downwardly and passes around the under side of the wheel 9,being disposed in the groove 51 of this pulley in the manner shown,beyond which it has an upwardly-inclined portion 65, after which itpasses longitudinally under the cover 52 of the table, pasing overguide-pulleys 66, disposed beneath the cover, as shown. At the inner endof the table T and adjacent to the said frame 1 there is mounted apulley 67, which is disposed in alinement with the aforesaid pulley 60,and a cord 68 passes around these pulleys, as shown, its upper sidelying upon the cover 52, its lower side being disposed below the cover,as shown. From this arrangement it should appear that if the wheel 9were rotated in the direction of the arrow it would operate to advancetoward it that portion of the cord 63 lying upon the table-top 52, andsince the pulley 60 is rigid with the pulley 61 the rotation of thewheel 9 would also operate to advance the cord 68 along the table towardthe wheel 9. In the practical operation of the machine a mat of bristles69 is placed upon the cover 52, so that the body of the bristles isdisposed transversely of the table and so that the bristles lie upon thesaid cords 63 and 68. Now when the wheel 9 is rotated these bristles areadvanced toward it, and eventually their extremities which lie adjacentto the wheel are clamped between it and the wheel 8 in a manner whichhas been described above, at which time the comb 2-1, which operates inconjunction with these wheels, combs out the bristles. After leaving thepoint 12, at which this combl ing takes place, the bristles are advancedtoyustment of the plate, as will be readily un- Upon its upper side thecentral strumental in effecting this purpose.

bristles to the table 7 will now be described.

ward the wheels 13 and 11 by arrangements very similar to those justdescribed for advancing the bristles to the wheels 8 and 9. It should bestated that the portion of the cord 63 which extends beyond the wheel 9is in- This cord cooperates with another cord 70, which cord passesaround the periphery of the wheel 11, as shown, whence it passesupwardly and around a guide-pulley 71, which is in substantial alinementwith the groove in the tire of the wheel 14, as will be readilyunderstood. Now it should be stated that after leaving the wheel 9 thebristles rest upon and are advanced by the cords 63 and 70, the cord 71)having replaced the cord 68. Passing onto the wheels 13 and 11 theextremities of the bristles which were adjacent to the guide-plate 53are held between the wheels, while the comb 29 operates upon them in thesame manner as the comb 24.

Arrangements for effecting the return of the In this connection itshould be observed that the said table 7 comprises a lower shelf 71,which is disposed horizontally below the cover 52. The upper side ofthis shelf 71 is in substantial alinement with the upper sides ofguidepulleys 72, 72, and '73, which are disposed, as shown, and arrangedat the remote and inner ends of the said shelf. These pulleys or rollers7 2 and 73 are connected, respectively, with a third depressed pulley 71 by continuous cords 75 and 75 in the manner shown. The pulley 72 isrigidly mounted upon the same axle with the pulley 72 and is connectedby a continuous cord 75" with the pulley 72", which latter pulley isdisposed at the innerend of the table? and adjacent to the roller 73, asshown in Fig. 8. This cord 75" is in substantial alinement with the cord75. At that side of the frame opposite to the table 7 there is provideda roller or pulley 76, which is disposed oppositely to and at the sameheight as the roller 74:, and over these rollers 74: and 76 two cords 77pass, which cords pass continuously about the pulleys, as will bereadily understood. Between these pulleys there is arrangedahorizontalshelf78, which isdisposed in such a manner that the upperruns of the cords 77 rest upon the same. It should be observed that thecords 77 are disposed quite close, together, and where these cords passabout the roller 74 they pass between the aforesaid cords 75 and 75".Arrangement is made for driving the roller 76. For this purpose theaforesaid shaft 16 is provided with a belt-pulley 79, which connects bymeans of a cross-belt 80 with the belt-pulley 81, carried by the shaft82 of the roller 76, so that the rotation of the wheel 1-1 when drivenby the gear 36 would be transmitted to the roller 76, as will be readilyunderstood. Of course the roller 76 IIO drives the roller 74 by reasonof the cords 7 7 and the roller 74 drives the two cords 75 and 75, aswill be readily understood.

Arrangement is made for delivering the bristles upon the extremity ofthe shelf 78 remote from the table 7, the bristles being delivered atthis point upon the cords 77, so that the movement of the cords in thedirection of the arrow will initiate a return of the bristles toward thetable 7. Referring especially to Figs. 1, 7, and 10, the arrangementwill be described for conveying the bristles from the second comb to theshelf 78. For this purpose there is employed a shield or guide 83, whichis disposed about the outer edge of the wheel 14, conformingsubstantially to the curved outline of the same. In this manner theshield constitutes substantially half of a circumference. Its lowerextremity is cut away at 7 8 for the cords 77 and is attachedtangentially, as shown at 84, with the upper side of the shelf 78. Itsupper extremity lies near the comb 29 and is bent or formed into a lip85, intended to be instrumental in facilitating the passage of thebristles under the shield. At each side of the shield there areprovided, respectively, curved springs or guides 86, which also conformsubstantially to the outline of the wheel 14, the same being disposedupon a circumference of smaller diameter than that of the shield 83. Inthis manner guide-spaces 87 are formed between the springs and theaforesaid shield. It should appear that at their lower extremities thesesprings 86 attach substantially tangentially upon the under side of acover-shelf 88, which is horizontally disposed above the aforesaid shelf78. The upper extremities of the springs 86 are attached to stubs 88,which have a limited rotation for the purpose of reducing or increasingthe length of the springs 86, so as to effect necessary adjustments inthe width of the guide-spaces 87, as will be readily understood. Cranks89 may be employed in this connection. The arrangement of the parts justdescribed is shown in Fig. 12. Now when the bristles leave the wheels 13and 14 they pass under the lip into the guide-spaces 87 and by reason ofthe movement of the wheel 14 they pass with the periphery of this wheeldownwardly until they eventually are delivered upon the shelf 78, sothat they will lie upon the aforesaid cords 77. The movement of thecords 77 then causes their advance in a direction to return them to thetable 7. When the edge of the shelf 78 is reached adjacent to the roller74, the bristles are received upon the cord 75 and the portion 90 of thecord 75. Under these cords there is disposed an inclined shelf 91, andwhen the bristles reach this point they rest upon the said cords andthey are held by the portion 65 of the cord 63, which is moving upwardlyadjacent to the face of the inclined shelf, as will be readilyunderstood.

In this manner the bristles are carried up to the level of the shelf 71,and when they arrive at this level they are carried along to-Arrangement is made for bringing into alincment as far as possible theextremities of the bristles before they pass to the combs 24 and 29. vFor this purpose above the upper side of the top 52 of the table 7 thereare provided a pair of oppositely-disposed shufiie plates or guides 93and 94. These shuflieguides are disposed parallel withea'ch other, asshown, and the guide 94 is disposed so as to constitute a continuationof the aforesaid guide 53. It should be understood that theseshufHe-guides 93 and 94 are disposed at a distance apart which woulddepend upon the length of bristles which were being treated. For thispurpose their inner extremities are pivotally carried at 95 uponlaterally-disposed stems 96, which stems are adjustably mounted inbrackets 97, carrying set-screws 98 for securing the same. It should beunderstood that these shuffle-guides are moved continuously from side toside during the operation, and in order to facilitate the entrance ofthe bristles between them their outer extremities are flared or inclinedoutwardly, as shown at 99. The mechanism for continuously moving theseshuffle-guides includes eccentrics 100 and 101, the rods 102 of whichconnect with arms 103, which arms are carried, respectively, byvertically-disposed rock-shafts 104, mounted in bearings 104, and tothese rockshafts are rigidly attached arms 105, which connect, by meansof links 106,with the shuffleplates near their outer extremities, asindicated.

At this point it may be stated that the purpose of the possible lateraladjustment of the shuflie-guides 93 and 94 is to enable bristles ofvarious lengths to be treated.

In order to adjust the point of application of the combs 24 and 29 andto effect their mode of operation, the aforesaid guide-blocks 27 and 32,which were described in connection with them, are mounted inhorizontally-disposed transverse members 107, the same being providedwith longitudinal openings or slots 108, in which the said blocks aremounted in the manner shown. It should be understood that theseguide-blocks would be secured in any desired position by means ofset-screws 109 or similar devices.

Describing more fully the mode of operation of the machine, it may bestated that a mat of unprepared bristles is placed upon the cover 52 ofthe table 7, the same being arranged with their ends lying against theguide-plate 53, their bodies being disposed across and resting upon thecords 63 and 68, which cords IIO ISO

move longitudinally of the table, as will be remembered, when themachine is in operation. The movement of these cords advances the mat ofbristles toward the combing mechanism. It should be stated that from thefact that the cover 52 is inclined, as shown, there is a tendency forthe bristles to arrange themselves with their extremities more nearly inalinement as the cords 63 and 68 advance them. As the bristles leave theinner extremity of the guide-plate they come under the influence of theshuiiieguides 93 and 9-1:, which, it will be remembered, arecontinuously moving laterally in such a manner as to shuttle thebristles between them more nearly into alinement with each other. Afterthe bristles pass from the rear of these shuffle-guides they passbetween the wheels 8 and 9, and at the point 12 between these wheelsthey are held at their extremities. \Yhile held in this manner the combZ-f is passed through the bristles, in this way carrying on theoperation of arranging the bristles. After the bristles pass from thispoint they are carried by the cord 70 and the cord 63 in such a manneras to pass between the wheels 13 and 14: in the same manner as theypassed between the wheels 8 and 9; but these wheels operate to hold thebristles at their opposite extremities, whereupon they are operated uponby the comb 29 in the same manner as the comb 24:. The mode of operationof these combs should be readily understood, as it should appear thattheir cranks are driven so that the combs operate upon the bristles inthe upper portion of their revolution and pass downwardly adjacent tothe point at which the bristles are clamped, so that the teeth of thecomb pass through the bristles. When the bristles leave the wheels 13and 1 t, they pass under the shield 83, being impelled by the peripheryof the wheel 14. In this manner they are carried between the shield 83and springs 86, which are provided at each side of the wheel, so thatthey are eventually delivered upon the lowershelf 78, where they areplaced upon the constantly-moving cords 77, which begin to return thebristles toward the table 7, the bristles passing along the shelf 78until they are delivered to the cords T5 and 75, which move upwardlyalong the inclined shelf 91. The progress of the bristles at thisinclined shelf is assisted by the portion of the cord 63, which liesjust above the shelf, in such a manner that the bristles are heldbetween the same, as will be readily understood.

It should be understood that the operator sits near the table and takesthe bristles as delivered from the lower shelf and returns them to theupper shelf or cover of the table, so that they may be passed andrepassed through the machine as often as desired.

\Vhile I have shown in the accompanying drawings the preferred form ofmy invention, it will be understood that I do not limit myself to theprecise form shown, for many of the details may be changed in form orposition without affecting the operativeness or utility of my invention,and I therefore reserve the right to make all such modifications as areincluded within the scope of the following claims or of mechanicalequivalents to the structures set forth.

Having described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure byLetters Patent, IS-

1. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a table, meansfor advancing a mat of bristles thereupon, said table being inclinedlaterally to the direction in which said bristies advance, a guide-platecarried by said table and disposed in the direction in which saidbristles advance, a shuffle-plate in substantial alinement with saidguide-plate and having a substantially vertical pivot, a secondshuflie-plate opposite to the first and having a substantially verticalpivot, means for simultancously reciprocating said shuffle-plates uponsaid pivots, and means for varying the distance between said pivots.

2. Ina machine of the class described, in combination, a pair ofoppositelydisposed wheels the peripheral faces whereof lie adjacent, asecond pair of wheels substantially similar to the first andsubstantially similarly disposed, an endless belt passing between theperipheral faces of said first pair of wheels, and having a portionpassing around the periphery of one of the members of said first pair ofwheels, a second endless belt adjacent to said first endless belt andconstituting therer with a conveyor adapted to receive a mat ofbristles, means for advancing said bristles from said first pair ofwheels to said second pair of wheels, and combs cooperating with saidwheels.

3. In a machine of the class described, in combination, 'a pair ofoppositely-disposed wheels the peripheral faces whereof lie adjacent, asecond pair of wheels substantially similar to the first andsubstantially similarly disposed, an endless belt passing between theperipheral faces of said first pair of wheels and over a portion of theperiphery of one of said wheels, said belt extending to a point adjacentto said second pair of wheels, at second endless belt cooperating withsaid first endless belt to constitute a conveyer for advancing a mat ofbristles to said first pair of wheels, at third endless belt passingbetween the peripheral faces of said second pair of wheels and extendingfrom a point adjacent to said first pair of wheels. and co perating witha portion of said first endless belt to constitute a conveyor adapted toadvance said mat of bristles to said second pair of wheels, and combscooperating with said wheels.

I. Ina machine of the class described, in combination, a pair ofoppositely-disposed wheels the peripheral faces whereof lie adjacent, asecond pair of wheels substantially similar to the first andsubstantially similarly disposed, means for driving said wheels, andcontinuous endless belts passing respectively between the surfaces ofsaid wheels and passing around said Wheels, said endless belts beinginstrumental in advancing a mat of bristles to said wheels, and combscooperating with said wheels.

5. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a pair ofoppositely-disposed wheels the peripheral faces whereof lie adjacent, asecond pair of wheels substantially similar to the first andsubstantially similarly disposed, an endless belt passing between thesurfaces of said first pair of wheels and passing about one of thewheels of said first pair, a second endless belt passing between thesurfaces of said second pair of wheels and passing around the peripheryof one of the wheels of said second pair, other continuous beltscooperating with said first belts to constitute a conveyer adapted toadvance a mat of bristles, said wheels being adapted to hold a portionof said mat of bristles, and combs cooperating with said wheels.

6. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a pair ofoppositely-disposed wheels the peripheries whereof lie adjacent, asecond pair of wheels substantially similar to the first andsubstantially similarly disposed, endless belts adapted to advance a matof bristles so as to pass the same between said wheels, a supportbetween said pair of wheels across which said mat may pass, and combscooperating with said wheels.

7. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a wheel, amember cooperating therewith and having a surface lying adjacent to theperiphery of said wheel, a cord passing between said wheel and saidmember, means for driving said cord, a second cord disposedsubstantially parallel with said first cord, and extending to a pointadjacent to said wheel, means for advancing said first cord, means fordriving said second cord through said first cord, and a comb cooperatingwith said wheel.

8. In a machine of the class described, in combination, means forsupporting a mat of bristles, a wheel, a member having a surface lyingadjacent to the periphery of said wheel, means for causing a relativelongitudinal movement between said mat and said wheel whereby a portionof said mat may be held between the periphery of said wheel and saidmember, and a comb cooperating with said wheel.

9. In a machine of the class described, in

combination, a pair of oppositely-disposed wheels, a second pair ofoppositely-disposed wheels, a cord passing between the adjacent surfacesof said first pair of wheels and extending to a point adjacent to saidsecond pair of wheels, a second cord cooperating with said first cordand extending to a point adjacent to said first pair of wheels, a thirdcord extending from a point adjacent to said first pair of wheels andpassing around the periphery of one of the wheels of said second pair,said first cord passing around the periphery of one of the wheels ofsaid first pair. said cords constituting a conveyer for a mat ofbristles, and combs cooperating with said wheels.

10. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a pair ofwheels, members 00- operating with the peripheries thereof, cordspassing between the said wheels and said memhers, said cords passingabout the peripheries 4 of said wheels whereby said wheels afford meansfor advancing said cords, a rotatable member between said Wheels andadapted to drive them both, means for driving said rotatable member, andcombs cooperating with

